Classy pupils prove they're stars all round

TEACHERS across the county spoke of their pride as students opened some record-breaking GCSE results.

Wallingford School saw a 2.5 per cent rise in the number of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C including English and maths, with 78.5 per cent of the 186 pupils who sat the exams making the grade.

Overall there was a slight drop in the number of pupils who were awarded A* to C grades, from 82.2 per cent last year to 80 per cent this year.

Headteacher Will Wyllis said: “The thing that we are most pleased with is the consistency of this set of results.

“That reflects a culture of high expectation and a staff of people and a bunch of kids who have worked extraordinarily hard all year round.

“Days like this one can keep you teaching for a whole year, I am a very proud man.”

Meanwhile Didcot Girls’ School broke its own best record for a second year running, with 75 per cent of students getting five A* to C grades including English and maths. Headteacher Rachel Warwick said: “It is about excellent teaching and good mentoring of student groups.”

She said the school would not publish students’ first results because it was “important for parents to see how well students finally did”.

At Wood Green in Witney the number of pupils who got five A* to C in English and maths increased from 51 per cent to 65 per cent, its best since the current system for measuring overall results was introduced in 2009.

There was also a five per cent increase to 72 per cent in the number of pupils who achieved five A* to C grades across all subjects.

Headteacher Robert Shadbolt was pleased with the results after admitting the school had a “disappointing” previous few years.

He said: “I am delighted that the efforts of students have been recognised.”

Bicester Community College saw a 10 per cent increase in students passing GCSE English and a 40 per cent rise in pupils passing at least one science GCSE. Headteacher Tony Rushworth said: “Although we are disappointed with this year’s maths results, we are already taking measures to put this right for next year.”

At Banbury Academy, 72 per cent of students got C or above in English with 66 per cent achieving those grades in maths.

Principal Emily Gent said: “GCSEs are qualifications that provide access to the next stage of your career and we are all very proud of the hard work by teachers, students and their families supporting the aspirations of our young people to achieve their dreams.”

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